James Upton Winchell
July 19, 1944 - July 18, 2006
Obituary
James Upton Winchell
July 19, 1944 – July 18, 2006
Jim was born in Geneva, Illinois to Ned and Jean Upton Winchell. Ned moved his family to the Seattle area in 1951. After graduating from Foster High School in 1963, Jim chose a career in sales. Some of the companies Jim worked for included Tacoma Screw, George Benson & Son, Coffee Bean International and Dunn Lumber. Thirsty for something new, Jim became an entrepreneur who made and repaired tobacco pipes and operated an Espresso Stand. Jim met his soul mate Jeanne, at a local delicatessen in the early sixties. What started out as a friendship eventually blossomed into romance and Jim and Jeanne were wed in 1985. With an in quenchable thirst for travel and home renovation, Jim and Jeanne enjoyed trips to Israel, London, Switzerland, Hawaii and Canada and enjoyed many beautification projects around the house. Jim was also an amateur inventor, constantly creating gadgets to improve any process. He loved collecting fountain pens and reading. Preceded by parents Jean and Ned and brother, Bob. Also Sparky, Fred Ethel, George, Dudley, Albert and Otis. Survived by his wife, Jeanne and EdithAnn at the family home, his brother, Bill, three nephews – Bill, John and Dan and two nieces – Lisa and Terri. Nine great nieces and nephews, two step children, Kim Mark Dube’ and Kevin Lisa Thayer and six grandchildren, Rachael, Erick, Shawn, Mike, Allaina and Crystal. As described by his grandchildren, Jim was a caring, honest, resilient, thoughtful, spunky, philosophical, mischievous, badass grandpa that may look stern on the outside but on the inside was just a big softy. Every life that has been touched by Jim is better for it. Please join us in celebrating his life on Saturday July 22, 2006 at his home from 1PM – 4PM. Belmor Park – 2101 S 324th St. #182 Federal Way, Washington.
Jeanie, thinking and praying for you.
Joe
I cannot express enough how sad it was to learn Uncle Jimmy passed away. I called him before I left for Tijuana to tell him Happy Birthday- since I would be gone during the week of our birthdays. I was due on his birthday, but came into this world 2 days earlier. I feel like my heart has been torn apart- he was my last link to my dad. I love you both and pray you may be filled with hope in the years to come.